Topic: Disaster and disaster management.
5) The recent Godavari boat tragedy underlines the negligence on part of various government agencies of the state of Andhra Pradesh who failed to follow the safety mandate suggested. Critically examine.(250 words)
Why this question:
As many as 12 people died on Sunday afternoon when a tourist boat carrying 61 persons on board capsized in the Godavari River near Devipatnam in Andhra Pradesh.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must address the underlying causes of the incidence and bring out the lacunae on the part of the government efforts to ensure safer travels across the river despite known possibilities and risks associated.
Directive:
Critically examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we have to look into the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a fair judgement.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
In brief narrate the background of the incident.
Body:
First explain why the incident occurred.
What were the lacunas on part of the government – Though the boat has license, it was not yet clear whether it had the required permission to ferry tourists since all boat operations in the river have been prohibited because of the flood.
Explain that River Godavari has been in spate for the past few days and over 5.13 lakh cusecs of floodwater was flowing.
Explain that Despite frequent boat accidents in the Godavari and Krishna rivers claiming several lives, no precautionary measures are being taken to prevent them.
Conclusion:
Conclude with solutions that should be provided urgently both in short term and long term to address the situation.
